Phalanges and Metacarpals Trigger Activator Device for Firearms

ABSTRACT

This device is designed to universally attach to firearms for both left, right, and dual handed use. It assists users of firearms who may or may not have a deformity of their hands from damage sustained by birth or environmental accident, resulting in limited use of Phalanges and Metacarpals. User input activates the device with the closing an electronic circuit from the battery to the circuit board, commanding the Linear Actuator to move. The Linear Actuator is connected to the Trigger Actuator resting in the vicinity of the trigger. The Trigger Actuator starts one cycle by making contact with the trigger, depressing it, causing the firearm to discharge as designed when the trigger is pressed. After the actuator travels a distance in one direction, it is withdrawn, releasing pressure on the trigger, resetting the trigger and ends the cycle. It is now ready to complete another cycle upon user input.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

N/A

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCES LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Disclosure

This disclosure relates generally to firearms, and more particularly, to allowing individuals with physical disabilities of the hand and fingers to use firearms as intended. This device is an accessory designed for firearms.

This invention is useful for individuals who have difficulty shooting firearms. This difficulty comes from individuals having issues with their phalanges and metacarpals of the hand(s). This could be deformities to/and/or missing phalanges and metacarpals, preventing them from using a firearm with traditional shooting techniques. The idea originally came from observing U.S. Armed Forces Service Members and public servants who could not shoot due to injuries while in the line of duty. In conjunction, this device will allow many individuals to be able to use firearms, when before they could not.

SUMMARY

To properly fire most firearms in any capacity as intended requires an individual to have Phalanges (bones in the fingers) to work the action of the firearm, the action being a combination of the trigger and/or hammer, and the magazine release button in a semi-automatic firearm, a breach, and/or cylinder in a revolver. It also requires using the Metacarpals (bones in the palm) to hold the firearm. This device solves this problem for squeezing the trigger of a firearm. It allows the user to put the Trigger Actuation Button (4) anywhere they are comfortable and can reach. This allows users with physical deformities of the fingers and hands to still be able to use firearms. When required, even the thumb metacarpal can be used to do so.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIG

FIG. 1: External left oblique view of device assembled, but not mounted on a firearm and Trigger Actuation Button (4) attached.

FIG. 2: External right oblique view of device assembled, but not mounted on a firearm and Trigger Actuation Button (4) not attached.

FIG. 3: Internal view of device components listed in Table 1 and location with Slide Housing Trigger Guard Removed (2), Battery Cover (3) and Trigger Actuator Button (4) removed.

FIG. 4: Main Housing (1) empty of components mounted on a generic firearm.

FIG. 5: Main Housing (1) with components mounted on a generic firearm minus Trigger Actuation Button (4).

FIG. 6: Device fully assembled and mounted on generic firearm.

FIG. 7: Operation Flow Diagram of Device.

FIG. 8: Electronic circuit blueprint operation diagram.

FIG. 9: Multiple views of Main Housing (1), dismounted from a generic firearm with Trigger Actuation Button (4) removed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Phalanges and Metacarpals Trigger Activator Device for Firearms invention is created for users who have missing and/or deformed fingers and palms. The device mounts under the receiver, attaching to the frame of the firearm by screws and/or rail system, allowing for the device to be used by left or right handed users. This device is intended to allow users to be able to use a firearm in a non-traditional manner.

Some components were acquired commercially off the shelf from various vendors, requiring no special fabrication or assemble techniques, except for the Main Housing (1) shown in FIG. 10, Side Housing Trigger Guard (2) shown in FIG. 11, Battery Cover (3) shown in FIG. 12, Trigger Actuation Button (4) Top shown in FIG. 13 and Bottom shown in FIG. 14, and Trigger Actuator (8) as shown in FIG. 15.

The Phalanges and Metacarpals Trigger Activator Device for Firearms invention is mounted properly on a generic firearm using the rail system slot built into the Main Housing (1) and/or the Clamp Adjustment Screws (7). It is adjusted so the Trigger Actuator (8) is within the trigger guard of the firearm when the Clamp Adjustment Screws (7) are tightened to prevent the invention from moving during use. The Bolt (5) and Knurl Knob to tighten clamp (6) is used to additionally secure the Main Housing (1) and Side Housing Trigger Guard (2) during operation to limit movement of the invention. When the Battery (11) is charged using the Charger Port (9), the device is considered always on, only activating when the Trigger Actuation Button (4) is manipulated. The Trigger Actuation Button connects to the Trigger Actuation Button Port (10). This may or may not be removable/attachable, allowing the user to render the device safe from operation and/or put into operation. The user aims at the designated target following firearm operations and safety rules. By pressing the Trigger Actuation Button (4), a circuit is completed, sending a signal to the Main Board (13). The Main Board (13) activates the Linear Servo (12). The Linear Servo (12) is attached to the Trigger Actuator (8). When the Linear Servo is activated, it moves the Trigger Actuator (8). As the trigger Actuator (8) moves in a linear direction, it makes contact with the trigger of the firearm. As the Trigger Actuator (8) continues to move in a linear direction, it compresses the trigger, then returns to its starting position. 

We claim the following:
 1. This device is mounted to a generic firearm allowing the user with disfigurement and/or missing fingers and/or palms to be able to use a firearm in a nontraditional manner, comprising: A means for energy storage to be released in a controlled manner, a circuit board, an actuator switch, and a housing; linear servo; mounting screws and rail assembly cutout on the housing units; and a means to depress a trigger on a firearm, causing said firearm to be used as intended.
 2. A device as defined in claim 1 is shown in FIG. 6 mounted to a generic fire arm.
 3. A device as defined in claim 1 is shown in FIG. 4 with the Clamp Adjustment Screws (7) attaching the device to the receiver of a generic firearm.
 4. A device as defined in claim 1 is shown with a Main Housing (1) unit that all other components connect to as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 and listed in Table
 1. 5. A device as defined in claim 1 uses a Side Housing Trigger Guard (2) to securely mount the device to the frame of a generic firearm receiver as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 using Clamp Adjustment Screw (7).
 6. A device as defined in claim 1 uses a Battery Cover (3) to protect the internal components as seen in FIG.
 2. 7. A device as defined in claim 1 uses a Trigger Actuation Button (4) to close a circuit as seen in FIG. 1 and FIG.
 6. 8. A device as defined in claim 1 uses a Bolt (5) to secure Main Housing (1) and Side Housing Trigger Guard (2) to each other as seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG.
 6. 9. A device as defined in claim 1 uses a Knurl Knob to tighten clamp (6) as seen in FIG. 1 and FIG.
 6. 10. A device as defined in claim 1 uses Clamp Adjustment Screws (7) to attach Main Housing (1) and Side Housing Trigger Guard (2) to receiver of generic firearm as seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG.
 9. 11. A device as defined in claim 1 uses a Trigger Actuator (8) to actuate the trigger of a generic firearm as seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG.
 5. 12. A device as defined in claim 11 may be a post, wheel, pulley, screw, lever and/or a wedge that may be in the shape of a 3-dimensional polygon.
 13. A device as defined in claim 1 may or may not use a Charger Port (9) to charge or recharge an energy storage device, such as a Battery (11) as seen in FIG.
 3. 14. A device as defined in claim 1 uses a Trigger Actuation Button Port (10) to send a closed circuit signal from the Trigger Actuation Button (4) to the Main Board (13) as seen in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG.
 6. 15. A device as defined in claim 1 uses a Battery (11) to store electrical current to provide power to a circuit as seen in FIG.
 3. 16. A device as defined in claim 1 uses a Linear Servo (12) to move the Trigger Actuator (8) as seen in FIG. 3 and FIG.
 5. 17. A device as defined in claim 16 may be connected to the Trigger Actuator by a wedge, screw, pulley, lever, or physically attached.
 18. A device as defined in claim 1 uses a Main Board (13) that is defined as a circuit board as seen in FIG.
 3. 19. A device as defined in claim 18 sends a signal to the Linear Actuator (12) to operate.
 20. A device as defined in claim 19 moves the Trigger Actuator (8) to the trigger of the fire arm, forcing the trigger to actuate. 